NordLocker
$2.99 / Monat
Positiv
- Fast speed
- Complex multiple encryption
- Simple & uncomplicated operation
Negativ
- Search not possible
- Data limited to 5 GB with free tariff
NordLocker is the file encryption vault from Nord Security – the company behind NordVPN. The tool encrypts your files directly on your device and, optionally, in its own secure cloud. We tested NordLocker in everyday use and here we tell you who the service is worth it for – and who it is not.
Our verdict in 30 seconds: NordLocker is the easiest way to encrypt files securely – no technical knowledge required. Zero-knowledge encryption is enabled by default in all plans, and everything works via drag & drop. A particular strength: even the free version encrypts an unlimited number of local files. Weaknesses are the small cloud storage of the free version (3 GB) and the missing Linux app.
Suitable for: Anyone who wants to encrypt sensitive documents, photos or backups – especially users who already use NordVPN or NordPass.
Not suitable for: Linux users and anyone who wants to store large amounts of data (over 2 TB) in the cloud.
What convinces us
- Zero-knowledge encryption included in all plans
- Free version with unlimited local encryption
- Very easy to use via drag & drop
- Secure sharing via link with expiry date and access code
- Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS plus web access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What bothers us
- Free version only 3 GB cloud storage
- No Linux app available
- Maximum 2 TB storage – alternatives offer more
- No media playback in the cloud (no player)
What is NordLocker?
NordLocker is an encryption tool with its own cloud, developed by Nord Security – the company behind NordVPN and NordPass, headquartered in Panama. The service has been on the market since November 2019.
The principle: you place files in so-called “lockers” (vaults). These are encrypted using modern methods – either only locally on your device or additionally in the NordLocker Cloud, where they are synchronized between your devices. Crucially, the encryption happens on your device before anything is uploaded. Nord Security cannot read your files at any time (zero-knowledge principle).
NordLocker prices & plans
NordLocker offers a permanently free version and several paid plans. If you pay annually, you save over 60% compared to paying monthly.
| Plan | Storage | Price (annual billing) | Price (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 3 GB cloud + unlimited local encryption | free | free |
| Personal | 500 GB cloud | approx. $2.99/month | approx. $7.99/month |
| Personal Plus | 2 TB cloud | approx. $6.99/month | approx. $19.99/month |
| Business | 500 GB per user | approx. $8.99/user/month | – |
| Business Plus | 2 TB per user | approx. $14.99/user/month | – |
All paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Business customers can also try the service free for 14 days. Prices as of August 2026 – you will always find the current prices on the provider’s website.
View current NordLocker prices »
Our experience: How NordLocker works in everyday life
Installation on Windows and macOS is done in a few minutes. After signing up, you create a master password – this is the only key to your data. If you lose it, you can only recover your files via the recovery key. This is consistent, but requires some care when storing it.
Local vaults or cloud – you have the choice
You simply drag & drop files into a locker. You decide for each locker whether it is stored only locally on your device or synchronized in the cloud. You can use local lockers without limits – even in the free plan. The space saver feature is practical: rarely used files are kept only in the cloud and do not take up space on your device.
Secure sharing via encrypted link
In our test, we were convinced by the sharing feature: you create an encrypted link for a file or folder, with an expiry date and optional access code. The recipient does not need a NordLocker account. For team collaboration, the Business plans also include an admin panel.
Versioning and ransomware protection
NordLocker automatically saves older file versions in the cloud. If your device is attacked by ransomware or you accidentally delete something, you simply restore an earlier version. This also makes the service useful as an encrypted backup.
Security & privacy
Technically, NordLocker relies on a strong mix: AES-256, ECC, XChaCha20-Poly1305 and Argon2id. The combination is considered state of the art and is also used by NordVPN. Your files are encrypted on your device – Nord Security only sees encrypted data (zero-knowledge architecture).
The headquarters in Panama means: no legal obligation to retain data and no cooperation with authorities when handing over user data. Two-factor authentication can be activated for account access – we expressly recommend this.
One point you should know: the cloud servers are located in the USA (business customers can choose German servers). In our view, this is acceptable due to end-to-end encryption, as the content there is stored exclusively in encrypted form.
Apps & devices
NordLocker is available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS – plus web access for the browser. Your cloud files are available on all your devices. Photos taken in the Android app can be saved directly in encrypted form without ending up unencrypted on the device.
What is missing: a Linux app. If you use Linux on the desktop, you have to switch to web access or an alternative.
NordLocker compared with alternatives
pCloud offers more storage (up to 10 TB), a media player and lifetime plans – but zero-knowledge encryption costs extra there (approx. $4.99/month as an add-on). With NordLocker it is always included.
Tresorit also encrypts end-to-end and is based in Switzerland, but is significantly more expensive and aimed more at business customers.
MEGA gives you 20 GB of free cloud storage, but seems less tidy and is based in New Zealand.
Our verdict on the comparison: if uncompromising encryption at no extra cost is important to you, NordLocker is the easiest choice. If you need a lot of storage or a media player, pCloud is the more flexible alternative. You can find more in our NordVPN test.
Frequently asked questions about NordLocker
Yes, partially. The Free plan encrypts an unlimited number of files locally and includes 3 GB of cloud storage. For more cloud storage (500 GB or 2 TB) you need a paid plan.
Yes. NordLocker encrypts your files on your device with AES-256, ECC and XChaCha20. Thanks to the zero-knowledge architecture, no one but you can read the content – not even Nord Security.
Then you can only access your data via the recovery key that you receive during setup. Without both, the files are permanently lost – so keep the key safe and separate from the device.
No, there is currently no native Linux app. Linux users can only use the web access in the browser.
Yes. You create encrypted links with an expiry date and an optional access code. The recipient does not need their own NordLocker account.
Yes, especially then. Nord Security offers bundle deals that combine NordLocker with NordVPN and NordPass – this is usually cheaper than individual subscriptions.
Our verdict: Who is NordLocker worth it for?
NordLocker makes encryption as easy as possible: drag the file into the vault, done. The fact that zero-knowledge encryption is included in every plan – even the free one – sets the service apart from many competitors. For sensitive documents, private photos and encrypted backups, NordLocker is our recommendation in the Nord universe.
Points are deducted for the missing Linux app and the 2 TB storage limit. If you want to manage large media libraries in the cloud, you should take a look at pCloud. For everyone else: with the free plan you can try NordLocker without risk.
Last updated: August 2, 2026 · Author: Martin Held, founder of vpntester.org · Note: This article contains affiliate links. If you order through them, we receive a commission – the price does not change for you.
Erstellt am: 12. October 2022
